The hits just keep on coming for the Blues

BOSTON — They have played 105 games this season, or two more than their Stanley Cup final opponents, yet the St. Louis Blues are determined to extend this series as long as they can.

They believe wearing the Boston Bruins down with physical play continues to be their best chance for success.

“I think all the series we’ve played have been like that, to be honest with you,” said coach Craig Berube — as tough and rugged as they came in his playing days — upon arriving in Boston on Tuesday evening. “That’s kind of how we’re built. We try to play a physical game, night in, night out, a forecheck game. We force teams to play 200 feet as much as we can.”

That plan is being carried out. The Blues have outhit the Bruins in each of the four games, and by a 162-133 total. But guys on both teams are playing through aches and pains. At the end of the series, in fact, both teams will report on a list of ailments they gutted their way through, some of which will require surgery.

It’s the same thing every spring. The pain threshold is indeed higher because of what’s at stake.

“Foot on the gas, empty the tank, see where it goes,” said pesky veteran winger David Perron. “There’s three game left max to our season, nine days. I don’t think there’s many guys that want to be out of the line up right now.”

Teammate Alex Steen agreed.

“I think the opportunity that’s ahead of us, the enjoyment, the excitement of playing in these games, I think it definitely takes a lot to miss them.”

Meanwhile, neither team will miss each other when the playing is done. With so much on the line, the battles are becoming more intense each game. A healthy hatred has developed between the teams.

“It’s a rivalry, for sure,” said Perron, who has perfected the art of engaging in a full blown wrestling match with an opponent without being penalized. “I think we did a good job last game of staying out of (post whistle shoving matches). I think going forward, we’ll look to do more of the same.”

WORKING THE REFS IS PAYING OFF FOR THE BLUES

They have played 105 games this season, or two more than their Stanley Cup final opponents, yet the St. LouisBlues are determined to extend this series as long as they can.

They believe wearing the Boston Bruins down with physical play continues to be their best chance for success.

“I think all the series we’ve played have been like that, to be honest with you,” said coach Craig Berube — as tough and rugged as they came in his playing days — upon arriving in Boston on Tuesday evening. “That’s kind of how we’re built. We try to play a physical game, night in, night out, a forecheck game. We force teams to play 200 feet as much as we can.”

That plan is being carried out. The Blues have outhit the Bruins in each of the four games, and by a 162-133 total. But guys on both teams are playing through aches and pains. At the end of the series, in fact, both teams will report on a list of ailments they gutted their way through, some of which will require surgery.

It’s the same thing every spring. The pain threshold is indeed higher because of what’s at stake.

“Foot on the gas, empty the tank, see where it goes,” said pesky veteran winger David Perron. “There’s three game left max to our season, nine days. I don’t think there’s many guys that want to be out of the line up right now.”

Teammate Alex Steen agreed.

“I think the opportunity that’s ahead of us, the enjoyment, the excitement of playing in these games, I think it definitely takes a lot to miss them.”

Meanwhile, neither team will miss each other when the playing is done. With so much on the line, the battles are becoming more intense each game. A healthy hatred has developed between the teams.

“It’s a rivalry, for sure,” said Perron, who has perfected the art of engaging in a full blown wrestling match with an opponent without being penalized. “I think we did a good job last game of staying out of (post whistle shoving matches). I think going forward, we’ll look to do more of the same.”

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